1970s Elite HM30 by Takamine
Made in Japan | Dove Style | Bone Nut | Hard Case
£500.00
The Elite HM30 is a rare 1970s acoustic built by Takamine during the golden era of Japanese guitar manufacturing. Marketed under the “Elite” brand for export, these guitars were made in the same Takamine workshops, using the same craftsmanship, tonewoods, and build quality – offering exceptional value and heritage.
Styled after the iconic Gibson Dove, this dreadnought features a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a rosewood fingerboard with block inlays. The ornate pickguard with dove-and-rose motif adds a touch of vintage charm. It also comes with a bone nut, enhancing clarity, sustain, and resonance across the strings.
Tonally, it delivers a rich, balanced voice with clear highs and warm lows – ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking.
This example is in good vintage condition with only minor playwear (see photos). No cracks, repairs, or structural issues. The neck is straight and the action is comfortably low at approx. 2.25mm on the low E / 1.75mm on the high E at the 12th fret. A well-fitted hard case is included.
🪵 Features
Year: 1970s
Style: Dreadnought (Dove-style)
Top: Spruce (likely laminate)
Back & sides: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood with block inlays
Bridge: Dove-style rosewood
Nut: Bone nut (installed)
Pickguard: Decorative red tortoiseshell with dove & rose motif
Finish: Natural gloss
Scale length: ~648mm
Nut width: ~43mm
Made in Japan (by Takamine under the Elite brand)
✅ Condition
Good vintage condition with light playwear
No cracks, repairs, or structural concerns
Straight neck with healthy frets
Low action setup: L.E. 2.25mm / H.E. 1.75mm @ 12th fret
🎁 Includes
Hard case (well-fitted, protective)
🎼 Why this guitar?
Built in Japan by Takamine, the Elite HM30 represents the golden age of Japanese acoustics. These guitars were crafted to rival American classics – and the HM30’s Dove-inspired design, reliable build, and expressive tone make it a standout example.
With its smooth playability, classic aesthetics, and a bone nut upgrade for improved tone, this is both a player’s guitar and a collectible piece of vintage MIJ history – ready to inspire.
🔑 Hashtags / Keywords
#MadeInJapan #TakamineElite #EliteHM30 #BoneNut #VintageAcoustic #DoveStyle #JapaneseGuitar #MIJ #1970sGuitar
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